Why can't you just copy all files to make a backup of an XP hard disk?

[RalphTheCow]

Is one reason because some files will be open if the system is running and therefore they won't copy? If this could be gotten around, are there other reasons? Just curious.

 

[warcrow]

Thats a really good reason, yes.

 

[Zugzwang152]

Originally posted by: RalphTheCow
Is one reason because some files will be open if the system is running and therefore they won't copy? If this could be gotten around, are there other reasons? Just curious.

because there are things that need to be put in the proper place that do not necessarily appear as files within Windows, such as the MBR.